The holiday season in Japan is a lengthy one: Christmas and New Year festivities stretch across December and January. Venues fill up, reservations are scarce and taxis are hard to catch.
Fortunately, we know places to celebrate extravagantly and effortlessly. Whether you want seasonal cakes, Christmas lights or champagne toasts, experience the holiday spirit in Tokyo at these elegant hotels.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi – Afternoon Tea and Cocktails
An elaborate holiday-themed afternoon tea is available at The Lounge at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi until Christmas Day. Handcrafted desserts adorned with snowflakes and Santa Claus motifs are delicately displayed for each guest. And for fans of more savory options, the selections are flavored in the French style (truffles and foie gras).
Afterward, pop into the bar at Virtu for some original seasonal spirits, such as the Christmas punch bowl and Virtu’s gin and champagne creations.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – A Festive Staycation
Why celebrate at home when you can be festive at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo? The Five-Star hotel — always a wonderful city getaway — has made a New Year’s stay extra special for 2024. In addition to a black-themed gala at Oriental Lounge and a one-of-a-kind masquerade party at Mandarin Bar, the hotel’s Height of Celebration offer (December 29 to January 2) says if you spend three nights in a guest room or four nights in a suite, you’ll receive daily breakfast for two and a spa or dining credit. Suite guests also get a bottle of champagne to enjoy.
While staying at the property, stroll to nearby Hibiya Park’s Magic Time Illumination. Through February, thousands of lights in every color cover Hibiya-Nakadori Street’s trees, grounds and stairs for a dazzling display set to cheery, seasonal music.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo – Christmas Dining
A festive brunch or dinner at Four-Star Grand Hyatt’s French Kitchen has been a classic choice for the holiday season for 20 years. This year’s Christmas feast at the signature restaurant features beef tenderloin as a main dish.
The property’s other eateries will have themed menus as well, but early risers will want to pay special attention to Oak Door’s Christmas and New Year’s brunches because the spreads will include slow-cooked roast beef, grilled scallops and sweets from Grand Hyatt’s excellent pastry chefs.
Aman Tokyo – The New Year’s Countdown
When the Christmas celebrations are done, stop by Aman Tokyo to bid farewell to 2023 in style. On December 31, the Four-Star property is organizing an exclusive gala at Arva, its heralded Italian restaurant, that’s followed by a countdown party at Aman’s lounge. Enjoy a special Japanese and Italian fusion menu while being serenaded with classical Japanese music and basking in a stunning view of downtown Tokyo glittering in the night sky.
Stay tuned for our 2024 Star Awards announcement on February 7, 2024.
